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Cultural memory and early civilization : writing, remembrance, and political imagination /

"Now available to an English-speaking audience, this book presents a groundbreaking theoretical analysis of memory, identity, and culture. It investigates how cultures remember, arguing that human memory exists and is communicated in two ways, namely inter-human interaction and in external syst...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Assmann, Jan.
Published:
Literature type: Book
Language: English
Subjects:
Civilization, Ancient.
Memory > Social aspects > History.
Collective memory > History.
Group identity > History.
Interpersonal communication > History.
Written communication > History.
Politics and culture > History.
Egypt > Civilization.
Israel > Civilization.
Greece > Civilization.
Summary: "Now available to an English-speaking audience, this book presents a groundbreaking theoretical analysis of memory, identity, and culture. It investigates how cultures remember, arguing that human memory exists and is communicated in two ways, namely inter-human interaction and in external systems of notation, such as writing, which can span generations. Dr. Assmann defines two theoretical concepts of cultural memory, differentiating between the long-term memory of societies, which can span up to 3,000 years, and communicative memory, which is typically restricted to 80-100 years. He applies this theoretical framework to case studies of four specific cultures, illustrating the function contexts and specific achievements, including the state, international law, religion, and science. Ultimately, his research demonstrates that memory is not simply a means of retaining information, but rather a force that can shape cultural identity and allow cultures to respond creatively to both daily challenges and catastrophic changes"--
Carrier Form: xii, 319 p. ; 24 cm.
Bibliography: Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN: 9780521763813 (hbk.)
0521763819 (hbk.)
9780521188029 (pbk.) :
0521188024 (pbk.)
Index Number: CB311
CLC: K12
Call Number: K12/A848
Contents: Pt. 1. The theoretical basis -- Memory culture -- Written culture -- Cultural identity and political imagination -- pt. 2. Case studies -- Egypt -- Israel and the invention of religion -- The birth of history from the spirit of the law -- Greece and disciplined thinking -- Cultural memory : a summary.

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